Chapter 1: You, Fabulous You

A Phenomenal Creation of God

The heart that has tasted of God’s love will always turn back to Him with longing and say, “Only Your love can meet my deepest needs.”
RUTH MYERS

Why are we women constantly seeking? Why are our hearts restless, never at peace? That is the question that Rebecca and I (Lisa) bandied about, the question that ultimately led to this book.

In short, we decided that we are restless because God created us to crave more–to seek after all we could be and to find his satisfaction in every aspect of life, at least as close as we can get, this side of heaven. Every one of us will be struggling with a slightly different version of where we’d like to grow this year. What Women Want is meant to help you begin the process.

It may well be that one or two chapters, in particular, start beeping like a smoke alarm that needs its battery changed. Pay special attention to those areas; begin your investigation there, then use the “Additional Resources” at the back of this book to delve deeper. Honestly seek where God is leading you.

As students along the road with you, we’ve relied heavily on the experts in each area addressed. And our experience in Christian publishing has connected us with great communicators and teachers, helping us put together what we hope will be an easy guide to help you take steps toward ultimate satisfaction. Our first goal for What Women Want is to help you define what you hunger for–really figure out what you want this year–and to discover some of the answers. We think you’ll find in the process that only God can ultimately fill you.

Lois writes: I feel as though I am doing all the talking in my prayer time, because I often forget a conversation involves listening. God can’t speak to me if I don’t take the time to listen.

We do the same thing, Lois! Our second goal for this book is that after you begin to think about each priority in your life, you’ll find great questions for reflection, discussion (if you’re reading in a group), and deeper study and application.

YOU ARE PHENOMENAL

But before we get to our study, let’s start at the beginning. Why do you think God bothers with you, or with Rebecca and me? Even when we have so much to learn, so many ways to grow? Because God thinks we’re phenomenal. In the dictionary, phenomenal is defined as “of or constituting a phenomenon; extremely unusual; extraordinary; highly remarkable.”

When was the last time you honestly thought of yourself as any of those descriptive words–as phenomenal? Write your thoughts here: Phenomenal. It’s a word that makes us flinch, isn’t it? Phenomenal? Me?

Yes, you. There is no one like you, and that is on purpose–God’s purpose. Our God doesn’t make mistakes. You’re just what God ordered up. Turn to a friend in your group, or look in the mirror, and say, “I am a phenomenal creation of God.”

No, don’t just read over this–do it. We’re serious. If you’re alone, go right now and say it ten times, slowly, in front of the mirror:

I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.
I am a phenomenal creation of God.

Now pause and think on this. Really think: What do you know to be true? What do you hear God whispering in your ear? Don’t just read past this. Stop! Stop reading until you’ve honestly done this. Even if you have to grit your teeth, do it.